in short...

If any type of bird is nesting in a tree or hedge then it is legally protected, so long as the nest is in use. This can delay work until the nesting season is over.

the full answer...

Discover more about why bird’s nests, bats and wildlife are legally protected during tree surgery work.

Can you cut down a tree with a nest in it?

If any type of bird is nesting in a tree or hedge then it is legally protected, so long as the nest is in use. This may prohibit certain types of tree pruning or removal until the nesting season is over. Removing dense hedges or substantially reducing them would be illegal, but annual hedge trimming may be acceptable.

When to cut hedges to avoid nesting birds

Birds commonly nest between March and the end of July. If you want to avoid cutting down trees or hedges with nesting birds, Take A Bough Tree Care’s London tree surgeons will be able to advise you of the best time to undertake such work.

Cutting Down Trees with Bats

Many kinds of bats use trees to roost in, either for long or short periods of time. Bats are all protected and when carrying out works to a tree that is likely to contain bats, it may be necessary to survey it first. Take A Bough Tree Care have trained staff that can do this for you. Whether you need tree surgery for Wimbledon, Wandsworth, or anywhere else in South West London, if the tree work must be carried out in an emergency this may override protected species rules and we can advise you where required. If you need Claygate tree surgery, or tree maintenance in the Surrey area, we can also advise here too.

Bird's nest in a tree

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